Rajasthan Students Deprived of Their Right to Elections: What, Why, and What’s Next

Jaipur- Across Rajasthan’s universities, students are intensifying their demands for the resumption of student union elections, which have been stalled since the 2023-24 academic session. The cancellation, initially ordered by the then Congress-led state government, has left students without a vital platform for democratic participation, prompting widespread protests and calls for adherence to the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines.

From Rajasthan University in Jaipur to other state institutions, students are rallying against what they see as an erosion of their democratic rights, urging the current BJP government to reinstate the polls. From giving a symbolic farewell to democracy in an old Ambassador car to staging dharnas, students are rallying for resumption of the elections.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding student union elections, students across Rajasthan’s colleges and universities are compelled to pay an election fund fee, typically ranging from ₹50 to ₹100, at the time of admission. This practice has sparked significant discontent, as the fees collected over the past two years have not been refunded, despite no elections taking place since 2023.

Students argue that this mandatory charge, imposed without delivering the promised electoral process, adds financial strain and undermines their trust in institutional governance. The issue has become a rallying point in protests, with demands for transparency and either the resumption of elections or the refund of collected fees.

Shubham Rewar, a prominent student leader from the National Freedom Union, has spearheaded a unique campaign to demand the resumption of student elections. In a powerful visual statement, Rewar showcased cutouts of prominent Rajasthan political leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party leader Hanuman Beniwal, both of whom began their political careers as student leaders in colleges.

Speaking at a protest rally, Rewar emphasized the importance of student elections, stating, “The government claims student elections are insignificant, but I ask, why are they essential? Student elections produce strong representatives who stand ready to support students from villages and remote areas. Through these struggles, they become aware of grassroots issues. When these leaders, forged in university elections, reach Parliament or the Assembly, they raise these issues with conviction and work to resolve them. In contrast, those who enter politics through family connections often remain disconnected from youth issues, merely enjoying the perks of power. If we want the voices and problems of ordinary students and youth to reach the highest levels and be addressed, student elections are essential. Look at the leaders who emerged from universities, they stand with the oppressed and exploited. This is why student union elections are crucial.”

Reasons for Halting Student Elections in 2023

In August 2023, the Rajasthan government, under then-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, canceled student union elections, citing multiple reasons. The decision was primarily driven by:

1. Violations of Lyngdoh Committee Guidelines: Gehlot pointed to excessive campaign spending and violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, which aim to regulate student elections to prevent the influence of money and muscle power.

2. Resource Constraints Due to NEP 2020: State universities claimed that implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the shift to a semester system, strained resources, making it challenging to organize elections.

3. Political Considerations: Analysts suggested the Congress government’s decision was influenced by the 2023 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections. With the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) underperforming in 2022 student polls, the cancellation was seen as a move to avoid further political embarrassment.

Gehlot Backs Students' Demand

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to social media to support the students’ demand for resuming student union elections. In a post, he wrote: “Student union elections serve as the foundation for youth in politics, fostering not only political understanding but also an appreciation of various aspects of democracy, contributing to personality development. To strengthen the role of youth in democracy, late Rajiv Gandhi lowered the voting age to 18 to enhance their participation. It is well-known that I was active in student union politics, and many leaders across the country and state, regardless of their political affiliation, began their political careers in student politics. For a long time, Rajasthan’s youth have been demanding student union elections, but the current BJP government is disappointing them. I believe there should be no difficulty for the government in conducting these elections. During our tenure, elections were postponed due to the Assembly election year. I have raised this demand several times before and now reiterate that the government should promptly take a positive decision to hold student union elections.”

Despite protests from both NSUI and ABVP, the elections remain suspended as of July 2025. The transition to a BJP-led government under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has not resolved the issue, with logistical challenges and debates over Lyngdoh compliance cited as ongoing barriers. NSUI’s state president, Abhishek Choudhary, has called student elections the “first school of democracy,” while ABVP’s Hushyar Meena has labeled the suspension a “democratic subversion.” A 2023 petition challenging the cancellation was dismissed by the Rajasthan High Court, further frustrating students.

The Lyngdoh Committee and Its Recommendations

Formed in 2005 under former Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh, the committee was tasked by the Supreme Court to regulate student elections. Its 2006 recommendations, mandatory for all higher education institutions, include:

• Annual Elections: Universities must hold elections within 6-8 weeks of the academic session’s start, involving only regular students.

• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be aged 17–28, have no academic arrears, and meet a 75% attendance requirement.

• Expenditure Caps: A ₹5,000 limit on campaign spending, with no political party funding allowed.

• Campaign Restrictions: Bans on printed posters, vehicle rallies, and candidates with criminal records, with elections not exceeding 10 days.

• Periodic Review: Guidelines should be revisited every five years,

  though enforcement remains inconsistent.

What's Next

The continued suspension of student elections has sparked concerns about the erosion of democratic engagement among Rajasthan’s youth. Students argue that these polls are essential for developing leadership and civic responsibility. With no clear timeline for resumption, the unique protests at Rajasthan University, including Shubham Rewar’s symbolic campaign, and demands across the state signal growing unrest. The government faces increasing pressure to address these concerns and restore student elections in line with Lyngdoh Committee guidelines.